Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly says his cancer has returned

Bills great to undergo more treatment on jaw

Jim Kelly attends the NFL Honors at the University of Minnesota on Feb. 3 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly's oral cancer has returned and he will once again undergo more treatment.

"As our family has faced many trials and triumphs throughout the years, you have blessed us with your prayers. We are asking for those prayers once again," Kelly said in a statement Thursday. "The oral cancer we hoped would be gone forever has returned. Although I was shocked and deeply saddened to receive this news, I know that God is with me. I continuously talk about the four F's: Faith, Family, Friends and Fans."

The former Buffalo Bills great first announced he had been diagnosed with Squamous-cell carcinoma of the upper jaw bone in the summer of 2013. He had surgery to remove tumors but the cancer returned the following year.

He then underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment before being declared cancer-free in September 2014.

Kelly, 58, played for the Bills from 1986 through 1996 and led the team to four straight Super Bowl appearances from 1990 through 1993.

"We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Jim Kelly and his impending battle with cancer," the Bills said in a statement issued Thursday. "Jim is a tough and courageous man and we know he will fight this battle with strength and determination. The Buffalo Bills will support the Kelly family during this trying time and we ask our fans to pray for the family as Jim begins the treatment process and the road to recovery."

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